Toward High I$_{N}$ Operation in the Pegasus Toroidal Experiment

The present experimental goal of the Pegasus experiment is to delineate the external kink boundary, which determines the low-q, high-I$_{N}$ operational space for an ultra-low-A ST. Equilibrium and stability modeling projects stable equilibria approaching I$_{p}$/I$_{TF} \quad \sim $ 3 (I$_{N} \quad \sim $ 20). Upgrades to the facility added improved position and shape control, increased and time-variable toroidal field, and programmable loop voltage. These upgrades allow for greater flexibility in q(r,t) tailoring and should provide access to I$_{p}$/I$_{TF} \quad >$ 1 and the external kink boundary. The Phase I operating space has been recovered, with discharges characterized by I$_{p,max} \quad \sim $ 150 kA, $<$n$_{e}> \quad \le $ 0.6 n$_{GW}$, and large 2/1 tearing modes. Experiments to date have focused on resistive MHD mode suppression by using the expanded capabilities to tailor plasma startup. Tearing mode mitigation has been demonstrated with plasma-current ramp-rate control (from 5-30 MA/s) and improved gas handling with $<$n$_{e}> \quad \ge $ 0.6 n$_{GW}$. Electrostatic plasma guns have been installed to increase the effective V-s and to provide plasma startup without a central solenoid.